Breastfeeding Protocol

Breastfeeding provides the most complete form of nutrition and is usually the preferred method of feeding infants and babies. However, there are some situations in which human milk is not recommended. Examples of some of these exceptions follow. In all cases, mothers should consult with their physicians to make a final decision regarding the best and safest nutrition for their infants.

Breastfeeding is contraindicated in the following situations:

Women in the United States who have HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed.
Women who have human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II should not breastfeed.
Women who are receiving certain medications should not breastfeed.
Women who have a child with galactosemia should not breastfeed.
Women who have untreated tuberculosis should not breastfeed.
Women who are using illicit drugs should not breastfeed.
Women with particular infectious diseases should not breastfeed.

Women with certain issues should consult with their physicians prior to deciding to breastfeed. Among other reasons, breastfeeding may not be advisable and should be reviewed with a physician for:

Women who have used alcohol or an illicit drug during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Women who have used alcohol or an illicit drug since delivery. Alcohol is concentrated in the breast milk and transferred to the infant. In addition, alcohol can decrease breast milk production.
Women who have Hepatitis C and cracked nipples or other breaks in the skin of the breast.
Women who have herpes simplex lesions on the breast.
Women who are taking certain medications.
Women who smoke cigarettes or use other forms of tobacco. While tobacco use does not prohibit breastfeeding, women who use tobacco products should be counseled on the possible effects on the child.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the use of prescribed methadone is no longer a contraindication to breastfeeding. However, no long term studies on the effects on the infant have been performed. Therefore it is recommended that women using methadone consult with their physician for further information.